Is Das Ende vom Anfang Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1984)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Drama cinema, the 1984 release of Das Ende vom Anfang stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into 14-year-old Benjamin Holberg has once again escaped from a reform school. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "14-year-old Benjamin Holberg has once again escaped from a reform school. But this time too he was found and sent to another home. The boys housed there immediately put pressure on “the new guy” and assign him tasks such as cleaning toilets and the like. They comply with her request by using physical violence against Ben. When Ben talks to another boy named Manfred and tells him that he wants to run away again, he says that he cannot escape the police in the long term because they would organize a real hunt for him. But that doesn't stop the two boys from trying to escape from the home again"

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Harald Dietl, the performance in Das Ende vom Anfang feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Christian Görlitz is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 90 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Das Ende vom Anfang truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Das Ende vom Anfang explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1984 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Christian Görlitz respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Das Ende vom Anfang is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Harald Dietl or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Das Ende vom Anfang is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.